100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We know that starting lessons is a big step and we want you to feel confident
booking with us. If you are not completely satisfied,
we'll help you find a new teacher or you can receive a refund for any unused lessons
within the first year from the date of purchase.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We know that starting lessons is a big step and we want you to feel confident
booking with us. If you are not completely satisfied,
we'll help you find a new teacher or you can receive a refund for any unused lessons
within the first year from the date of purchase.

Darrell passed a background check that includes a SSN verification,
national criminal record check, and sex offender registry search.
Learn More

Darrell delivers an exceptional lesson experience and ranks in the top
15% of our teachers nationwide.

Teaches students:

Ages 7+

Teaching since:

1992

Why these lessons are different:
- Formally trained conductor/composer/producer
- Individual or group session options including full band production
- A long roster of satisfied clients
- Broad base of musical styles (rock, classical, jazz, blues, metal, bluegrass, folk, theater, big band, symphonic, pop, punk, country, march, gospel, avant-garde...)
- Over 20 yrs teaching experience and work with recognized professionals including work in some of the top-rated private schools in the United States
- Over 30 years performing experience

My process is based on (but does not adhere strictly to) the Classical approach to Western tonal harmony and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory. In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment. All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Whatever level they are at when I start with them, I guide their efforts into bringing the students up to a certain level of comprehension regarding the mathematical aspects of music and how it relates to their instruments. This understanding of theoretical principles of sound allows the students to play any style of music they wish, no matter how their tastes may change throughout their lives.

Curriculum Gradation:
Elements of rhythm
Elements of pitch
Elements of dynamics
Elements of articulation
Reading/Writing notation
Tone development
Finding/Expanding your range
Dexterity, speed, and accuracy
How to project
How to advance to the next level
Music theory
Playing by ear
Improvisational techniques
Finding your signature style
Expression/Lyricism
Composition/Arrangement
Project Management

German

Health & Safety Services Instructor, Professional Level

NYSSMA Grade 6A+

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

Feb 2017

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 480,000 US composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. The ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers.

My 16 year old son loves his lessons with Darrell and looks forward to them every week. He'd been taking guitar lessons elsewhere that were okay-ish, but this is so much more. Darrell is great, not only does he get along with and make my son want to learn, but at the same time they are working on voice, he is also teaching keyboard and working on the guitar! We really couldn't have asked for a better instructor.

Doctor D. has an intimate knowledge of music theory, as well as a tried and true method that allows students to learn quickly while having fun in the process. He sincerely strives to bring out the best in his students, and that effort is reflected in his results.

yesterday was my first vocal lesson with Darrell. he is definitely one cool dude. My first impression is that he is very thorough. I like that we are starting from the ground up learning fundamentals. it is noteworthy that I am blind. I only say this because from the get-go he was open minded to adapt the session where we needed. I look forward to my upcoming lessons.

I was amazed at how much Darrell knew and was able to impart in just 45 minutes. He assessed my level in less than 5 minutes, then used every second to incorporate and expand what I already knew into organized concepts It seemed like a staggering amount of information, yet I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. I'm really looking forward to next week!

Darrell is hands down a phenomal coach and teacher. I was looking for a vocal coach, but was hoping to find someone with expert knowledge in a diverse range of instruments, theory, song composition and arrangement, and audio production. Darrell does all of this and more. Moreover his approach is direct and encouraging, with an emphasis on pushing to you to become your best. I look forward to every lesson. Recommend 100%.

Darrell is doing a great job getting me back to my piano journey (after 20 years!). The exercises and theory he is teaching me have helped me getting a deeper understanding of music and looking at piano from a different perspective. I've learned a lot just after two lessons. The daily practice was challenging and fun. Looking forward to my upcoming sessions.

Darrell- Has great mix of business professionalism and a wonderful manner with both children and adults. He has worked with our family on schedule and had taught a range of ages (5 to45) and instruments. Piano and Guitar.

Micah Antill
Sep 26, 2016

Acoustic Guitar·

Great teacher. Going onto my 6th session.

Jack Moore
Sep 19, 2016

Classical Guitar·

Darrell has been very consistent and helpful in teaching my 2 kids piano and guitar.

Elliott Richards
Jun 22, 2016

Piano·

When I had my first lesson with Darrell, I was a complete beginner. Being a beginner is never easy, in fact it is usually quite discouraging. Bearing this in mind, Darrell is an outstanding teacher. He is one of the most encouraging teachers I've ever had, which speaks volumes knowing I am a high school graduate and a rising college Sophomore. Darrell is the kind of teacher that wants to see you succeed in your learning more than you probably want to see yourself succeed, which is exactly what you need when you get frustrated or doubtful. Darrell keeps a serious focus in the classroom, whilst keeping the lesson fun and lighthearted. I can truly say I am very happy picking Darrell as my teacher, and look forward to the many lessons yet to come.

Student says: "Mr. D. does a good job of explaining and demonstrating. Violin lessons are fun."

p rao
Mar 22, 2016

Guitar·

Dr. D teaches guitar to both our kids. He is well versed in music theory, styles and has functional knowledge of other cultural styles. He has demonstrated time again the ability to refocus our two teens who can be easily distracted during teaching sessions. They have shown progress over the last year and half that is twice that they had previously achieved in over 3 years of learning. While being direct in artistic feedback he is able to connect with the kids at their level to push them to a higher plane of finesse in using music theory and applying this to compositions they are undergoing training in. He does not compromise on quality of learning and does not hesitate to put in additional runs at practice or extra time till they get it right. He always starts with 'what's the progress and do you have any questions?" this essentially covers adequately the gap between learning sessions and the chance for the kids to pause and pick up anything they have not yet mastered. A unique touch was a duet that Dr. D got the kids to master over several weeks of patience with them, which now is an admired piece in our family gatherings (showing off their talents to the relatives/friends). He is very reasonable with time off requests for summer/spring vacations as well. We are very fortunate to have made his acquaintance as a teacher for our kids.

Dr. D lives and breathes music. If you’re a musician with even the smallest kindling of desire to learn, he will light a fire under you and you will grow as an artist, musician, and writer. I’ve worked with him mostly in a band setting where he worked as our band director. I’ve also witnessed his vocal lesson work first hand with a friend of mine. Within a year the student he was was working with went from being a beginner with no theory knowledge to a jazzy sort of Gene Autry with a style built on a foundation of music theory. With his encouragement, raw enthusiasm, and know-how she gained what seemed like a lifetime of music knowledge, performing ability, and confidence in the matter of a year. I’ve also worked with Dr. D in a recording and producing setting. He has the equipment and the ability to make professional and marketable recordings, and his artistic input on these recordings has been invaluable. If I wasn’t touring all the time, I’d be working with him every chance I got. I still do whenever I make it back to Austin. Dr. D is quickly becoming an essential figure in the live music capital of the world.

"Dr. D" has been an instrumental (pardon the pun!) part of my musical journey over the last few years. Originally, I came to him to improve my guitar playing. But along the way, his role morphed from that of a guitar instructor to one that incuded producing, voice instruction, song writing partner, and more. Prior to working with him, I'd never performed in public. But, with his guidance and support, I overcame life-long stage fright and am now singing/playing regularly in front of an audience. If you're serious about becoming a better musician and want to be challenged to reach your goals, Dr. D is your man!

When I was third trumpet Dr D was the Drum Major. Our marching and field show bands under NY legend David Bournazian won many local and state competitions. I was just happy to be part of it, but Dr. D was leading it. He has deep knowledge of music theory and is equally expert at improvisation. His ability to communicate theory to beginners or higher level learners is amazing. He has the unique skill of being able to make complex concepts seem simple with illustrative examples until you find yourself starting to 'get it'. Highly recommended.

My middle-school aged son did a two hour session with Dr. Darrell one day where I would venture to say they covered a month's worth of music theory material. After a while I got tired listening to it, but my son didn't. Darrell is patient yet firm, tough but caring. The pairing of Darrell's deep knowledge with a student who wants to learn is a powerful combination. He is committed to the success of his students.